Jonathan Rand, author of the "Michigan Chillers" and "American Chillers" books, spoke with students from Palo, Haynor, Coon and North LeValley schools Thursday to express how reading and writing is important throughout life.

Rand entertained the students with an overview of how reading and writing helped him enter the business of radio, recording radio commercials and making the commercials interesting by creating stories within the commercials.

Through radio, he said became interested in writing stories, using his love of Michigan and horror to begin the "Michigan Chillers" series. Out of those books began the "American Chillers" series, which will have one book per state once it is complete.

He asked the students if they liked to read and told them why reading was one of his favorite hobbies.

"Growing up, there was something magical about books. Books don't have covers, they have doors," said Rand.

He said books can take the reader anywhere in the world and on amazing journeys.

"It's not something you do, it's a place that you go. Reading is an experience," Rand added.

He said writing is equally as important as reading, and students are "creating magic" when they write. Students, no matter who they are or where the come from, can be authors and create stories, but the skills of reading and writing will help them no matter what career they want to pursue.

Following his visit, Rand said he enjoys visiting schools across Michigan and throughout the country.

"I don't think kids see it's necessary for reading and writing in everything they do," he added. "I get energy and motivation from them. It excites me to see kids that are generally excited to be reading and writing."